Barca won 1-0 at the Nou Camp thanks to a late goal by Gerard Pique, but the Serie A leaders held on despite having to play for more than an hour with 10 men following the dismissal of Thiago Motta.

Inter will face Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu next month and Sneijder told ITV1: "He (Mourinho) was screaming. It was an emotional moment.

"I think we defended very well with 10 men for so long, it was a big compliment to the team."

Inter effectively nullified Lionel Messi over the two games and the Dutchman admitted that had been the plan.

"You could see it tonight," he added. "We were very compact and we fight for every metre and give everything. That is what we said to each other before the game.

"I said before the game he (Mourinho) always had a tactic to destroy the opponent. We did it in Milan and we did it tonight.

"It will be a great final."

Inter president Massimo Moratti was ecstatic after his side booked their spot in next month's final.

Moratti told www.inter.it: "I am very happy, for a team of 10 men to beat the world champions at their own ground (shows) great character, great team, individually and as a group.

"It is infinite happiness.

"Mourinho tonight was a wonderful phenomenon and the boys had immense character. They knew what to do at all times, very good. They played in a really smart way, congratulations to all.

"I hope that Inter fans are as happy as I am."

Mourinho was highly emotional and told RAI: "We were a team of heroes. We sweated blood.

"I thank everyone who played and who did not play. I thank all the fans, those who were here and those who remained at home.

"Absolutely incredible things happened. Now is our festival. I want the fans at the airport waiting for these guys.

"I want the fans to go to Rome where we have a Sunday final against Lazio (in Serie A) and Wednesday when we have another final against Roma (in the Coppa Italia)."

The Portuguese added: "This match was difficult with 11 (players).

"With 10 versus 11 it was historic. The defeat was the best of my life, but I think this team deserved to draw 0-0. Julio Cesar has had an amazing game, it seemed we were in equal numbers.

"It is an incredible joy. I have already won a Champions League but today was even better.

"When I won (with Porto) we beat Monaco 3-0 and half an hour before the end I knew we had won. It's a pity I could not play because I have got the same blood."

Barcelona president Joan Laporta urged his side to turn their attention to the defence of their Primera Division title after seeing their European dream come to an end.

Barca are a point clear of Real Madrid with four games left in La Liga but this weekend face a tough trip to improving Villarreal.

"Today we have experienced the cruel face of football, but now we have need to lift ourselves and think about the league.

"We have a key game against Villarreal in order to have have some joy in La Liga.

He added following tonight's disappointment: "The team deserve an ovation and all our gratitude. They deserve our applause because the players have given their best at every moment.

"Now we need to recover, raise our morale and encourage the team to focus on the league. Now more than ever we need to be with this team."